Portable Air-Tight Water-Tight Reusable Trash Receptacle

ABSTRACT

A system and method for preventing leaks from rubbish containing liquids and noxious smells has an air-tight and water-tight reusable trash receptacle. The receptacle uses an inner ring and an outer ring to secure a bag. A lid contains a seal such that an air-tight and water-tight seal is formed when the lid is engaged with the outer ring. The outer ring has a seal that engages the bag such that an air-tight and water-tight seal is formed when the outer ring is engaged with the liner on the inner ring.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/135,469, filed on 28 Dec. 2020, titled “Portable Air-TightWater-Tight Reusable Trash Receptacle,” which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/193,782, filed on 16 Nov. 2018, titled“Portable Air-Tight Water-Tight Reusable Trash Receptable,” which issuedon 29 Dec. 2020 under U.S. Pat. No. 10,875,709, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/203,396,filed on 6 Jul. 2016, titled “Portable Air-Tight Water-Tight ReusableTrash Receptacle,” which issued on 20 Nov. 2018 under U.S. Pat. No.10,131,498, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/188,913, filed on 6 Jul. 2015, titled “PortableAir-Tight Water-Tight Reusable Trash Receptacle.”

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates in general to the field of portabletrash cans, more specifically, to trash cans featuring a hermetic sealto prevent migration of odors and contents of the trash can.

2. Description of Related Art

Current trash cans are typically an open vessel designed to hold up aplastic bag. The bag acts as a liner and the can acts as a support forthe liner. Some trash cans have lids that rest on the top of the can tomitigate migration of aroma from the can. Portable trash cans, such asthose for vehicles, are typically soft sided and configured to retain atrash bag. Lids for current portable trash receptacles rest on the lipof the trash can without the ability to prevent leakage if thereceptacle is inverted or falls over. A need exists for portable trashreceptacles that can retain liquids, odors, and noxious refuse no matterthe orientation of the receptacle. While there are many ways to storetrash well known in the art, considerable room for improvement remains.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of thepresent application are set forth in the appended claims. However, theembodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and furtherobjectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referenceto the following detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portable air-tight water-tightreusable trash receptacle according to the present application;

FIG. 1B is a cross section view of a portable air-tight water-tightreusable trash receptacle according to the present application;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a lid for a portable air-tightwater-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 2B is a cross section view of a lid for a portable air-tightwater-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an outer ring for a portable air-tightwater-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 3B is a cross section view of an outer ring for a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an inner ring for a portable air-tightwater-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 4B is a cross section view of an inner ring for a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of aportable air-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according tothe present application;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6Aand 6B;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 11A is a front view of a bag for use with an alternative embodimentof a portable air-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle accordingto the present application;

FIGS. 11B and 11C are top views of the bag of FIG. 11A; and

FIGS. 11D and 11E are partial side views of an alternative embodiment ofa portable air-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according tothe present application.

While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptibleto various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are hereindescribed in detail. It should be understood, however, that thedescription herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit theinvention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle are provided below. Itwill of course be appreciated that in the development of any actualembodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made toachieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance withassembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary fromone implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

A lidded trash receptacle is air-tight, water-tight, and prevents liquidcontents and noxious fumes from escaping the receptacle. The receptacleincludes a lid, a fabric cover, an outer ring, and an inner ring. Thelidded receptacle allows a user to dispose of items, such as a six packof soda, an ice cream cone, vomit, and or a baby diaper, withoutworrying about the receptacle leaking liquids or gases.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of a portable air-tightwater-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Referring now also to FIG. 1B a crosssection view, taken at line IB, of a portable air-tight water-tightreusable trash receptacle according to the present application isillustrated. Trash receptacle 101 is comprised of a lid 105, an outerring 109, and an inner ring 111. A trash bag 115 is located between theouter ring 109 and the inner ring 111. Not shown is a fabric cover thatis secured to the outer ring that protects the contents of the trash bagand prevents the contents of the trash bag 115 from being visibleoutside the receptacle.

Inner ring 111 is coupled to outer ring 109 by threading. A user wouldplace the trash bag inside the inner ring 111 pulling the top of thetrash bag 115 over the top of the inner ring into the region between theinner ring and the outer ring. The user would then screw the outer ringrelative to the inner ring to secure the trash bag in place. Inner ringhas a compressible ring, such as a rubber seal, located between theinner ring and the outer ring. Rubber seal provides friction between thetrash bag 115 and the rings.

Lid 105 is coupled to the outer ring 109 by a threaded interface. Lid105 uses a rubber seal located inside the lid to further seal thecontents of the trash bag 115. A user can unscrew the lid from the outerring and the trash bag is retained. Liquids and solids are containedinside the trash bag 115 and prevented from leaking by lid 105.

Referring now also to FIG. 2A, a perspective view of a lid for aportable air-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according tothe present application is illustrated. Referring now also to FIG. 2B across section view, taken at line IIB, of a lid fora portable air-tightwater-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Lid 205 is similar to that of lid 105. Lid205 uses a plurality of ridges 209 around the circumference of the lidto facilitate a user's grip on the lid. Additionally, lid 205 has a slot213 or keyway for receiving a tab from the outer ring of the trashreceptacle. Slot 213 uses notch 215 to lock the lid 205 in place byreceiving a protrusion off the tab. Users of the lid 205 depress the lidand rotate to secure the tab of the outer ring into the slot 213. Toremove the lid 205 from the receptacle the process is revered. Lid 205uses a seal 217, preferably rubber, to keep the contents of the securedtrash bag inside. Seal 217 is located inside the lid and engages the topof the outer ring.

Referring now also to FIG. 3A, a perspective view of an outer ring for aportable air-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according tothe present application is illustrated. Referring now also to FIG. 3B across section view, taken at line IIIB, of an outer ring for a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Outer ring 305 is similar to that of outerring 109. Outer ring 305 features tabs 309 for securing a lid. Tabs 309use protrusions 315 to lock the lid 205 in place. In an alternativeembodiment the outer ring 305 is threaded to couple to a lid.Additionally outer ring 305 includes a notch 311 configured forreceiving an elastic strap of a fabric cover and thereby securing thefabric outer cover to the outer ring 305.

On an internal surface of the outer ring 305 is threading 313. Threading313 is configured for coupling the outer ring 305 to an inner ring, suchas inner ring 111. Recess 317 is located interior to the outer ring 305and is configured such that an opening is produced when an inner ringand the outer ring 305 is coupled together, Recess 317 provides room forthe excess edges of the liner. Additionally, recess 317 provides roomfor liner retention system. Liner retention system includes at least oneof an elastic strap or Velcro strap to hold the liner to the inner ring.A seal 321, preferably rubber, is located on a top surface of the outerring 305 to hold the liner in place, alternatively the outer ring 305does not include a seal 321.

Referring now also to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of an inner ring for aportable air-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according tothe present application is illustrated. Referring now also to FIG. 4B across section view, taken at line IVB, of an inner ring for a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Inner ring 405 is similar to that of innerring 111. An external surface of inner ring 405 is threaded 411 suchthat the inner ring can couple to the outer ring. Recess 415 providesroom for the excess edges of the liner or trash bag. Inner ringpreferably has an inner diameter of at least 90 mm to provide room for adiaper to be disposed. Additionally, recess 415 provides room for aliner retention system. Liner retention system includes at least one ofan elastic strap or Velcro strap to hold the liner to the inner ring405.

Referring now also to FIG. 5 , a perspective view of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle with a tethered lidaccording to the present application is illustrated. Trash receptacle501 is comprised of a tethered lid 505, a tabbed outer ring 509, and aninner ring. A trash bag or liner is located between the outer ring 509and the inner ring 511. Cover 513, preferably fabricated from an opaquefabric, is secured to the outer ring 509 with an elastic strap and hidesthe contents of the trash bag within. Cover 513 has a Velcro seam alongthe top portion to allow the cover 513 to expand over the lower portionof the outer ring 509. Tether 517 is attached between a tab 519 on theouter ring 509 and the lid 505. Tether 517 is an integral extension ofrubber seal 217. Tether 517 uses an extended piece of rubber formed offof the rubber seal to secure the lid. Located on the end of the tether517 nearest the lid is a first stop 521. First stop 521 is disc shaped.Lid 505 is held between the first stop 521 and the rubber seal. Adiameter of the first stop is larger than a diameter of a hole thoughthe lid 505 to prevent the extended piece of the tether from fallingthrough the hole in the lid. A second stop 523 and a third stop 525 arelocated on the far end of the extended piece of the tether 517. Secondstop and third stop are spherical in shape and are configured to holdthe opening of tab 519 between the second and third stops. Tethering thelid to the rest of the receptacle prevents the lid from being lost.Losing the lid prevents the receptacle from being water-tight.

Referring now also to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle with a hinged lid isshown. Trash receptacle 601 generally comprises an outer ring 603, aninner ring 605, and a hinged lid 607 that is hingeably attached to outerring 603 and pivots relative to outer ring 603 between a closed positionand an open position. Outer ring 603 contains hinged clips 609 thatpivot with respect to outer ring 603 and secure inner ring 605 intoouter ring 603 by clipping under the lower edge of inner ring 605. Outerring 603 contains a lanyard slot 621 formed in it such that a lanyard orother tether used to carry trash receptacle 601 may be attached tolanyard slot 621. Hinged lid 607 contains a handle 615 attached tohinged lid 607 that may also be used to carry trash receptacle 601, andmay also be used to open and close hinged lid 607.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 6B, outer ring 605 is shown to have atab catch 611 formed in it. Handle 615 preferably has an opening 613formed in it that cooperates with tab catch 611 when hinged lid 607 isclosed such that tab catch 611 fits into opening 613 in handle 615 tosecure hinged lid 607 into the closed position. Handle 615 is preferablydesigned and made of an appropriate material such that the portion ofhandle 615 containing opening 613 flexible enough to slightly bend sothat handle 615 may be disconnected from tab catch 611. For example, inone embodiment, handle 615 may be made of a plastic or polymer that isstrong enough to support the weight of trash receptacle 601 and anycontained contents, but is flexible enough around opening 613 for tabcatch 611 to be disengaged from opening 613 while hinged lid 607 is inthe closed position, allowing hinged lid 607 to be opened.

Referring now also to FIG. 6C, a cross section of trash receptacle 601is shown. The interior area of inner ring 605 is visible, and inner ring605 is shown to fit into outer ring 603. It should be understood that acertain amount of clearance between inner ring 605 and outer ring 603 isnecessary in order that a trash bag or liner may be located betweeninner ring 605 and outer ring 603. In use, inner ring 605 isdisconnected and removed from outer ring 603 by unlatching hinged clips609 from inner ring 605. A trash bag or liner (not shown) is partiallyinserted through the interior area of inner ring 605, while a certainportion of the liner near the opening of the liner is folded over thetop edge of inner ring 605 onto the side of inner ring 605 opposite theinterior area. Inner ring 605, along with the liner, is then insertedinto outer ring 603 and secured by hinged clips 609. The clearancesbetween inner ring 605 and outer ring 603 accommodate the insertedliner. A specific clearance area 625 is formed between inner ring 605and outer ring 603. Clearance area 625 is sized such that excess edgesof the liner are held within clearance area 625.

Outer ring 603 contains a seal, preferably an O-ring seal 617, heldwithin outer ring 603 to cooperate and align with the top edge of innerring 605. When a trash bag or liner is secured between outer ring 603and inner ring 605, O-ring seal 617 is held against the liner such thatan air-tight and water-tight seal is formed between the liner and seal617, preventing any liquids or odors from escaping between outer ring603 and inner ring 605. Hinged lid 607 also contains a seal, preferablyan O-ring seal 619, held within it such that O-ring seal 619 aligns withand seals against the top edge of outer ring 603. This forms anair-tight and water-tight seal between hinged lid 607 and inner ring 603such that liquids or odors within the liner are prevented from escapingbetween hinged lid 607 and inner ring 603. Due to the presence of O-ringseals 617 and 619, trash receptacle 601 is functionally completelywater-tight and air-tight when a liner is held within trash receptacle601.

Referring again to FIGS. 6A and 6B, strap seats 623 are shown formed inouter ring 603. Trash receptacle 601 should be understood to include acover (not shown) to support a trash bag or liner held within receptacle601. The cover may be similar to cover 513, or may be somewhatdifferent. The cover preferably has an open end and a closed end. Thecover of receptacle 601 preferably is made of an opaque fabric such thata liner and any of its contents are not visible when secured withinreceptacle 601, The open end of the cover is pulled over the exteriorareas of inner ring 605 and outer ring 603, as well as hinged clips 609,and is drawn over strap seats 623. The cover may have an elastic strapheld within the cover at the open end such that the elastic strapsecures into strap seats 623 allowing the cover to support itself onouter ring 603. Alternatively, the cover may have a strap that requiresmanual tightening, such as a hook-and-loop type strap or a pull-tightB-ring type strap, such that a user must manually tighten the strap intostrap seats 623 after pulling the open end of the cover over strap seats623.

The cover for receptacle 601 preferably is of a rectangular box shape,rather than a simple tube sleeve shape. By being a box shape, the coveroffers greater capacity than a simple tube sleeve-shaped cover of thesame length. Any number of commonly available trash bags, liners, orother such bags may be used in receptacle 601 and held within the cover.Alternatively though, dedicated liners designed to correspond andcooperate with the box-shaped cover may be used in receptacle 601.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, tab catch 611 is positioned on outer ring603 roughly directly across from the hinge that secures hinged lid 607.It should be understood that this merely anticipates one suitablelocation for tab catch 611, and that tab catch 611 may be positioned atany point near the upper edge of outer ring 603 that allows hinged lid607 to be secured into the closed position. Handle 615, along withopening 613, may be arranged on hinged lid 607 to correspond with any ofthe possible suitable positions of tab catch 611. Only one tab catch 611is shown, but other embodiments may utilize more than one tab catch.Also as show in FIGS. 6A and 6B, two hinged clips 609 are shown securinginner ring 605 into outer ring 603. Alternative embodiments of trashreceptacle 601 may utilize more or fewer hinged clips depending on thedesign objective and requirements.

Referring now also to FIG. 7 , an embodiment of a portable air-tightwater-tight reusable trash receptacle with a hinged lid is shown. Trashreceptacle 701 should be understood, unless otherwise stated herein, tobe the same as or substantially similar to receptacle 601. The onlydifferences between trash receptacles 701 and 601 are due to the lack ofa handle on hinged lid 703. Because hinged lid 703 does not contain ahandle like handle 615 on hinged lid 607, hinged lid 703 contains alocking tab 705 designed to hook over tab catch 707 formed in outer ring709.

Tab catch 707 may be the same or substantially similar to tab catch 611,in which case outer ring 709 is the same as or substantially similar toouter ring 603, or tab catch 707 may be designed slightly differentlythan tab catch 611. For example, tab catch 707 is shown to be a bitwider than tab catch 611 and is shown to protrude from outer ring 709slightly less than tab catch 611 protrudes from outer ring 603. Lockingtab 705 is made of a material flexible and elastic enough that a usermay bend locking tab 705 away from outer ring 709 and tab catch 707 sothat hinged lid 703 may be opened. Locking tab 705 must have enoughelasticity that the tab returns to its original shape and position afterit is bent away from tab catch 707.

Referring now also to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle having an outer ring andinner ring which rotatably couple together is shown. Trash receptacle801 has an outer ring 803, and inner ring 805, and a lid 807. Lid 807preferably is made of two main portions, a rotating ring 813 and a top815. The cross section of FIG. 8B shows top 815 and ring 813 as beingone piece, but it should be understood that top 815 is a distinct piecesecured within rotating ring 813 such that ring 813 and top 815 rotatewith respect to each other about one shared axis. Rotating ring 813rotatably couples to outer ring 803 by threads (not shown) present onthe exterior area of outer ring 803 and the inside surface of ring 813.Top 815 is attached to outer ring 803 by a solid flexible tether 817.Tether 817 is preferably made of a durable and flexible material such aspolymer, rubber, durable fabrics, or any other suitable material.

Outer ring 803 preferably contains tabs 809 on the interior surface ofouter ring 805. Inner ring 805 preferably contains slots 811 on theoutside surface of inner ring 805. In use, tabs 809 and slots 811interface together such that outer ring 803 and inner ring 805 rotatablycouple together. Preferably, slots 811 are designed such that outer ring803 is secured to inner ring 805 by inserting tabs 809 into slots 811and turning outer ring 803 roughly one eighth of a complete rotation. Inother embodiments, slots 811 may allow for greater or lesser degrees ofrotation used to secure inner ring 805 into outer ring 803. Tabs 809 mayhave protrusions that interface with notches formed in slots 811,similar to how protrusions 315 might interface with notches 215.

In use, a liner (not shown) is partially inserted through inner ring805, while a certain length of the liner at the open end of the liner isdrawn over the top edge of inner ring 805. Inner ring 805, along withthe liner, is then secured to outer ring 803 by inserting tabs 809upward into slots 811 and turning outer ring 803 roughly one eighth of acomplete rotation such that tabs 809 slide relatively sideways alongslots 811. The liner is therefore secured between inner ring 805 andouter ring 803. Lid 807 is then pulled to the top edge of outer ring803, and rotating ring 813 is rotated about outer ring 803 such that thethreads engage and lid 807 is secured onto outer ring 803. Top 815 oflid 807 engages with liner portion supported by the top edge of innerring 803. As shown in FIG. 8B, top 815 preferably contains a seal 819that compresses against the liner such that an air-tight and water-tightseal is formed between lid 807 and the liner. As seen also in FIG. 8B,and similarly to other trash receptacles described in the presentapplication, a clearance area is formed between inner ring 805 and outerring 803 such that excess portions of the edge of the liner at the openend are held within the clearance area.

Outer ring 803 is shown to have a recessed area above protruding lips821. Trash receptacle 801 preferably has a fabric cover such as any ofthe covers previously disclosed in the present application, or a coverof any other design appropriate for use as described below herein. Inuse, after a liner has been secured between inner ring 805 and outerring 803, and after lid 807 has been secured to outer ring 803, a covermay be drawn over lips 821 and secured into the recessed area by anelastic strap within the cover, or may be secured into the recessed areaby a user tightening a strap attached to the cover such as ahook-and-loop type strap or a tightening d-ring strap.

Referring now also to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an embodiment of a portableair-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle having an outer ring andinner ring which couple together with push tabs is shown. Trashreceptacle 901 generally comprises an outer ring 903, an inner ring 905,and a hinged lid 907. Lid 907 is hingeably attached to outer ring 903similarly to lids 607 and 703 above. Lid 907 contains a locking tab 909similar to locking tab 705 which interfaces with a tab catch on outerring 903 similar to tab catch 707. Outer ring 903 has push tabs 911 thatsecure outer ring 903 to inner ring 905. Push tabs 911 preferably pivotwith respect to outer ring 903.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 9B, a cross section of trashreceptacle 901 is shown. Inner ring 905 has a raised lip portion 913that protrudes from the outside surface of inner ring 905 and extendsall the way around inner ring 905. Push tabs 911 hook over the flat faceof lip 913. Push tabs 911 may have springs (not shown) held between pushtabs 911 and outer ring 903 such that force is applied to each push tab911 sufficient such that push tabs 911 do not disengage lip 913 unless aforce is applied to push tabs 911 such that push tabs 911 pivot awayfrom and disengage lip 913. Because lip 913 also has a slanted face asshown in FIG. 9B, inner ring 905 may be inserted into outer ring 903without requiring that a user manipulate push tabs 911 because tabs 911will slide along the slanted face of lip 913 until they reach the flatface of lip 913 and hook over lip 913.

In use, trash receptacle 901 is generally similar to the other trashreceptacles disclosed herein, A liner (not shown) is inserted throughinner ring 905 with a certain portion of the liner near the open end ofthe liner pulled over the top edge of inner ring 905. Inner ring 905 isinserted into outer ring. 903 and secured by push tabs 911 such that theliner is held between inner ring 905 and outer ring 903. A clearancearea is formed between inner ring 905 and outer ring 903 sufficient tohold excess portions of the edge of the liner along the open end of theliner while the liner is secured between inner ring 905 and outer ring903.

Outer ring 903 may have a flat ring seal or O-ring seal held on theouter ring 903 above the top edge of inner ring 905 such that anair-tight and water-tight seal is formed between outer ring 903 and theportion of the liner supported by the top edge of inner ring 905. Hingedlid 907 may have a flat seal or O-ring seal that engages the top edge ofouter ring 903 to form an air-tight and water-tight seal. Thecombination of seals within receptacle 901 creates an air-tight- andwater-tight trash receptacle when a liner is held between inner ring 905and outer ring 903 as described.

Outer ring 903 contains cover catches 915 on the exterior surface ofouter ring 903. Trash receptacle 901 is designed to utilize a fabriccover (not shown) such as the covers previously disclosed in the presentapplication, or any other fabric cover appropriate for use with covercatches 915. When a liner is secured within trash receptacle 901, thecover may be pulled over the liner and over outer ring 903 and covercatches 915. The cover may then be secured by an elastic strap,hook-and-loop type strap, or other tightening strap. Alternatively, thecover may have a lip or other feature formed along its open end to hookonto cover catches 915 to secure the cover to outer ring 903.

Referring now also to FIG. 10 in the drawings, an alternative embodimentof a portable air-tight water-tight reusable trash receptacle with ahinged lid is shown. Trash receptacle 1001 is substantially similar totrash receptacle 601. Trash receptacle 1001 preferably includes outerring 1003, inner ring 1005, hinged lid 1007, and handle 1015, which areall configured for operation similar to the trash receptacle 601described above. Hinged lid 1007 is configured for opening and closingvia opening 1013 and tab catch 1011, again, like the above describedtrash receptacle. However, the configuration of trash receptacle 1001 isunique in that it allows for much easier opening of the hinged lid 1007with one hand. Handle 1015 includes pressure point 1017 and pivot point1019.

With this unique configuration, a user of the invention can hold thetrash receptacle with one hand and have their thumb rest on pressurepoint 1017. When the user wants to open the lid, the user appliespressure to pressure point 1017 with their thumb, and the handle pivotsalong pivot point 1019, Pivot point 1019 may contain a spring that isconfigured to keep the handle closed when not under pressure. Thispivoting motion releases the handle from tab catch 1011, and thus opensthe lid. This unique configuration for a trash receptacle is useful fora variety of purposes, but is specifically designed with paramedics,EMTs, and nurses in mind. When those professionals are working in thefield, they often deal with various pieces of medical waste, such asneedles and soiled clothes, which need to properly be disposed of. Asfield work often occurs away from a waste container, the workers do nothave a proper way to dispose of waste until after an emergency is over.The present invention may be carried into the field via a carrying caseor attachment to a belt loop, or even via other means, for the emergencyworkers to have easy access at any point in time. The medical waste canthen immediately be disposed of while working in the field via a specialbag for medical waste integrated into the portable trash receptacledescribed herein.

Referring now also to FIGS. 11A-11E in the drawings, various views of abag integration into a portable air-tight water-tight reusable trashreceptacle. Bag 1101 preferably includes a top portion 1103 and bladder1105. Under the preferred embodiment, bladder 1105 is a puncture-proofrubber material. However, it should be appreciated that alternativeembodiments may use other puncture-proof materials that also prevent anypunctures from sharp objects, such as needles, knives, or other sharpmedical instruments. FIGS. 11B and 11C best illustrate the functionalityof top portion 1103. The top portion 1103 illustrated in FIG. 11B is inits closed form, in a substantially flat configuration, while theillustration in FIG. 11C is in an opened position. The bag 1101 ispreferably designed to be stored in the closed form until it is put intooperation, when it is moved into the opened position. Top portion 1103includes at least one structural component 1107 and tube liner 1109,both of which have end portions 1115 a and 1115 b. To transform the bag1101 from closed form to an opened position, a user can squeeze the topportion 1103, such that end portions 1115 a and 1115 b are moved towardeach other, creating an opening in the middle. Preferably, structuralcomponent 1107 is a cardboard sleeve, but it should be appreciated thatalternative materials, such as plastic or other hard forms, may be usedfor forming the sleeve shape. Tube liner 1109 is preferably a plasticliner, but other materials may be used in alternative embodiments.

FIGS. 11D and 11E best illustrate the bag 1101 integrated into trashreceptacles described above. The trash receptacle includes inner ring1111, which is substantially similar to the inner ring of the abovedescribed embodiments. Preferably, when integrated into the system, thestructural component 1107 rests against a surface of the inner ring1111, and the tube liner is then stretched over the top surface of theinner ring 1111. FIG. 11D illustrates tube liner 1109 with a rolled uptop portion, while FIG. 11E best illustrates the same tube liner 1109rolled out over inner ring 1111, such that the bag 1101 can be securedwithin the trash receptacle. Bag 1101 also preferably includes tab 1113,which is coupled to an adhesive portion of tube liner 1109. When tab1113 is pulled, the adhesive portion of tube liner is revealed, suchthat the bag 1101 may be secured shut. For example, once the bag 1101 isfull, or is otherwise ready to be disposed of, the user may pull tab1113 to reveal the adhesive surface, and then may press the adhesivesurface of the bag 1101 together, such that the bag 1101 is sealed shutpreventing contained items from spilling out. This unique configurationallows for more efficient and sanitary disposal of products, such as formedical and emergency services as described above.

It is apparent that a system and method with significant advantages hasbeen described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosedabove are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified andpracticed in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilledin the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is thereforeevident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be alteredor modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope andspirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein isas set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments areshown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but areamenable to various changes and modifications without departing from thespirit thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trash receptacle for securing trash,comprising: an outer ring; an inner ring coupled to the outer ring; alid hingeably attached to the outer ring; and a handle coupled to thelid, the handle having a pressure point for causing opening and closingof the lid.
 2. The trash receptacle for securing trash of claim 1,further comprising: at least one hinged clip for securing the outer ringto the inner ring.
 3. The trash receptacle of claim 1, wherein the lidcreates a seal in the closed position.
 4. The trash receptacle accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a first seal between the outer ring andthe lid; and a second seal between the inner ring and the outer ring. 5.The trash receptacle of claim 1, further comprising: a tab catch;wherein the tab catch is configured to latch the handle of the lid andcreate a seal between the lid and the outer ring.
 6. The trashreceptacle according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover.
 7. Thetrash receptacle of claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises: apivot point; and a latch for opening and closing the lid; whereinengagement of the pressure point causes the latch to raise via the pivotpoint, such that the lid can be opened.
 8. The trash receptacle of claim7, wherein the pivot point is a spring.
 9. A trash receptacle system forsecuring trash, comprising: an outer ring; an inner ring coupled to theouter ring; a handled lid hingeably attached to the outer ring; and abag; wherein the bag is secured in the system by a connection pointbetween the inner ring and the outer ring.
 10. The trash receptaclesystem of claim 9, wherein the bag is a durable, puncture-proofmaterial.
 11. The trash receptacle of claim 9, wherein the bagcomprises: at least one sleeve; and a tube liner coupled to the at leastone sleeve; wherein the at least one sleeve and tube liner rest in asubstantially flat position when not under tension.
 12. The trashreceptacle of claim 9, wherein the bag comprises: an adhesive portion;and a removable material strip covering the adhesive portion; whereinthe adhesive portion may be uncovered by removing the material strip,such that the bag can be sealed in a closed position via the adhesiveportion.